Xcel Energy, Inc. (NYSE:XEL)

A holding company, with subsidiaries engaged primarily in the utility business. The Company's continuing operations included the activity of four wholly-owned utility subsidiaries that serve electric and natural gas customers in 8 states.

XEL has some debt, due to recent investing in renewable energy (and will most likely raise MY rates, again) - but I like (and own) this stock mostly due to the dividends (it's like getting some of my own money back). Currently at $0.28/share (3.9%), this has provided a good re-investment opportunity for me in the past, and I expect that it will in the future.

Over the long term I think XEL can outperform. It's a solid market, that also goes hand in hand with the economy, for the most part. They service probably the most volatile area for energy, the Midwest, with searing summers and cold winters. (Trust me I know!) I like the P/E though the 52 week range makes it look pretty safe, trading at just above it's 52 week low.